The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement and Drake University announced that Craig Owens will serve as the next executive director of The Harkin Institute.

As executive director, Owens will work to advance the institute’s public policy and civic engagement while elevating its profile, deepening its impact and delivering on its mission. Owens was appointed to the role following a national search.

Owens joins The Harkin Institute after serving most recently as founding dean of the John Dee Bright College at Drake University. Working closely with colleagues from across the university, Owens initiated and led curricular development, fundraising, policy, marketing, recruitment and facilities planning and implementation, as well as securing community partnerships.

Owens takes over following the departure of Matthew Reed, who resigned in January after serving two years in the position. Reed had taken over after Joseph Jones had led the Harkin Institute for six years before being named as the chief of staff to the president at Des Moines University.

Owens previously served as founding director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Drake
University, chair of the university’s English Department, coordinator of Drake’s Comprehensive Accreditation, as well as various academic positions as a member of the English Department.

Owens graduated with honors in English Literature and Latin from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., and earned his doctorate in English from Indiana University-Bloomington. Owens has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters; edited three volumes of academic essays; and authored “Staging Technology: Medium, Machinery & Modern Drama,” which examines the interrelationship between theater production and advances in media and technology in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Drake University President Marty Martin expressed optimism for The Harkin Institute’s future under Owens’ leadership.

“Having known and worked with Craig for 10 years, I have the utmost confidence in him as a leader and colleague. His competence, diligence, and enthusiastic vision for The Harkin Institute make him the right person to lead this wonderful part of Drake University in our quest to transform lives and strengthen communities,” Martin said in a press release.

Retired Sen. Tom Harkin said Owens is a good fit for the role.

“Many of the issues our work focuses on, like disability employment, social security reform and water quality, are more prevalent than ever and crucial to the institute’s mission,” Harkin stated. “Craig’s experience in leading the launch of John Dee Bright College and his work to make it a successful and thriving feature of Drake University make him the ideal leader to leverage the Harkin Institute’s strengths in taking the organization to new heights.”

Founded in 2013, the Harkin Institute serves as a nonpartisan policy research institution focused on people with disabilities, retirement security and wellness and nutrition.

“Together, we will advance The Institute’s mission and amplify its successes regionally, nationally and globally, elevating the institute’s status as the leading voice on disability, retirement, and wellness policy,” Owens said.